For color prints of this fine fish and
other natural wonders of the
Gulf
Coast
, please visit ToshBrown.com
. Tosh caught this fine goo-monster while dredging near a sewer outflow
with my new greenie-meanie turd fly.
Gafftopsail Catfish
The Gafftopsail (Bagre marinus) is recognized by it's greatly elongated dorsal
spine, it's 2 chin barbels, and the long flattened barbel at the corners of it's
mouth. They spawn in the spring and the fertilized eggs are carried in the mouth
of the male until they hatch and the fry can feed on their own. During this time
the male will not eat.
The dorsal and pectoral fins are supported by
sharp spines, and as such, should be handled with the same caution used in
handling Hardheads. His spines are covered with a toxic slime also.
They are primarily a bottom feeder and the
best baits are shrimp, small crabs, and small fish. They are commonly caught
from piers and jetties.
